Format Support Policy
The University Libraries will use standard data management practices to protect the items stored in DigitalCommons@UConn. The database will be backed up regularly and will be kept secure against unauthorized deletion or modification.
The University Libraries will take all possible steps to assure continuing access to items deposited in DigitalCommons@UConn. Every item deposited will remain retrievable from the repository. However, computer files depend on the availability of the appropriate software to render the functions and appearance intended by the file’s creator; over time older software applications may no longer function on new computer platforms, leaving the files created with those applications inoperable. The level of access that the Libraries can assure to items stored in DigitalCommons@UConn may therefore range from preservation of the full functionality and appearance of the original file to preservation of the mere bit stream with no assurance that the file’s original functionality or appearance can be recreated.
In general, files created with open or non-proprietary software offer the greatest likelihood that their functionality and appearance can continued to be rendered as computer environments change. Faculty and other creators of digital content are urged to carefully consider the implications of choosing one or another file format or software application, and to balance the importance of the functions provided by a software application against the importance of being able to preserve those functions over a period of years or decades.
The Libraries identify three levels of assurance for the continuing operability of digital files in DigitalCommons@UConn:
- Supported: we support this format. There is a high likelihood that its content, appearance, and functions will be preserved over time.
- Known: we recognize this format but cannot guarantee its support over time.
- Not Supported: we do not recognize this format. At best, the bit stream will be preserved but not appearance or functionality.
| Format Support Levels | top |
| Name | Extensions | MIME Type | Support Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unknown | application/octet-stream | unknown | |
| Adobe PDF | application/pdf | supported | |
| XML | xml | text/xml | supported |
| Text | txt, asc | text/plain | supported |
| HTML | htm, html | text/html | supported |
| Microsoft Word | doc | application/msword | known |
| Microsoft Powerpoint | ppt | application/vnd.ms-powerpoint | known |
| Microsoft Excel | xls | application/vnd.ms-excel | known |
| MARC | application/marc | supported | |
| JPEG | jpeg, jpg | image/jpeg | supported |
| GIF | gif | image/gif | supported |
| PNG | png | image/png | supported |
| TIFF | tiff, tif | image/tiff | supported |
| AIFF | aiff, aif, aifc, iff | audio/x-aiff | supported |
| audio/basic | au, snd | audio/basic | known |
| WAV | wav | audio/x-wav | known |
| MPEG | mpeg, mpg, mpe | video/mpeg | known |
| RTF | rtf, rtx | text/richtext | supported |
| Microsoft Visio | vsd | application/vnd.visio | known |
| FMP3 | fm | application/x-filemaker | known |
| BMP | bmp | image/x-ms-bmp | known |
| Photoshop | psd, pdd | application/x-photoshop | known |
| Postscript | ps, eps | application/postscript | supported |
| Video Quicktime | mov, qt | video/quicktime | known |
| MPEG Audio | mpa, abs, mpega | audio/x-mpeg | known |
| Microsoft Project | mpp, mpx, mpd | application/vnd.ms-project | known |
| Mathematica | ma | application/mathematica | known |
| LateX | latex | application/x-latex | known |
| TeX | tex | application/x-tex | known |
| TeX dvi | dvi | application/x-dvi | known |
| SGML | sgm, sgml | application/sgml | known |
| WordPerfect | wpd | application/wordperfect5.1 | known |
| RealAudio | ra, ram | audio/x-pn-realaudio | known |
| Photo CD | pcd | image/x-photo-cd | known |
| AutoCAD | dwg | known | |
| AutoCAD Exchange Format | dfx | known | |
| AutoCAD Internet Files | dwf | known | |
| DejaVu | djv | known | |
| RealVideo | ra, ram | video/x-pn-realvideo | known |
| sid | sid | known |
What To Do If Your Format Isn't Listed
For further information, please contact .
Modified from the University of Kansas' KU ScholarWorks site.